Snorkeler,

I said "kind of like" Barbados. Sint Maarten is self-governing (like Barbados) and has full autonomy other than for "Kingdom Affairs," which are: (1) defense; (2) foreign relations; (3) nationality; (4) orders of chivalry, the flag and the coat of arms of the Kingdom; (5) the nationality of vessels and the standards required for the safety and navigation of seagoing vessels flying the flag of the Kingdom, (6) admission and expulsion of Netherlands nationals; and (7) the admission and expulsion of aliens, including extradition.

And Saint-Martin's status as an overseas collectivity does not make it not a part of France. Overseas collectivities are "integral parts of France, ... are represented in the National Assembly, Senate and Economic and Social Council. Only one COM, Saint Martin, is part of the European Union and can vote to elect members of the European Parliament (MEPs)." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_collectivity